(19)

(11)

EP 2 012 683 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 14.01.2009 Bulletin 2009/03 (21) Application number: 07761813.0 (22) Date of filing: 03.05.2007

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/22(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2007/068127 (87) International publication number: WO 2007/131100 (15.11.2007 Gazette 2007/46)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR Designated Extension States: AL BA HR MK RS (30) Priority: 03.05.2006 US 797242 P (71) Applicant: Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105-4191 (US)	(72) Inventor: KARPIEL, John, A. Winston-Salem, NC 27106 (US) (74) Representative: Wächter, Jochen et al Kroher-Strobel Rechts- und Patentanwälte Bavariaring 20 80336 München 80336 München (DE)